Vitalant Research Institute (VRI) has a strong history of infectious diseases research dating back to the early 1980s. The blood supply has faced numerous infectious threats over the years, from hepatitis and HIV to emerging infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. VRI researchers have been at the forefront of ensuring a safe blood supply. Additionally, access to blood donors allows detailed insight into the interactions between infectious agents and the infected host, both at the individual and population levels.
